Aiming for top spot this time... (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Aiming for top spot this time...

9:32am Wednesday 26th November 2008 in Search By Messenger News Desk

ALL eyes will be on local rally driver Dave Shuttleworth as he aims for victory in this coming weekend’s Coppermines Grizedale Stages Rally.

The 42-mile event takes place on Saturday (November 29) and will see Dave attempt to beat off over 80 competitors to gain the victory that narrowly eluded him last year, when he came second to David Bogie. Dave is hoping his chances this year are more favourable and has spent the last few weeks preparing his Mitsubishi Evo which, with sponsorship from The Coppermines and Lakes Cottages , has been transformed with an up-rated engine and high performance turbo, The rally will also see the return of Dave’s co-driver, Simon Megaw, who recently moved to Ireland, but is returning to Cumbria especially for the event.

Dave, 34, said: “Our sponsorship deal has allowed us to do a tremendous amount of the work on the car and we are ready ahead of schedule. It is great that Simon is returning from Ireland and we are more determined than ever to win.”

The rally is a major event that regularly attracts a number of big names from the world of rally driving, previous winners include WRC M-Sport’s Matthew Wilson, as well as a host of enthusiasts from across the UK.

Clerk of the Course Graham Parker said: “Right from the start of the course in Coniston village and through Grizedale Forest the course has a reputation for being one of the most challenging and exciting courses in the country.”

Parking for spectators costs £5, which includes a copy of the programme. Half the money will go to the Coniston Mountain Rescue Team. Further details are available at: www.grizedalestages.co.uk.

Pictured: Cumbria hopeful Dave Shuttlewoth with sponsor Philip Johnston from The Coppermines & Lakes Cottages and co-driver Simon Megaw and their The Coppermines Mitsubishi Evo.